Meta is expected to launch a new low-cost VR headset this year to replace the Meta Quest 2, the world’s most popular VR headset. In what is becoming a tradition for many electronic devices, we already have a good idea of what these new mixed reality headsets will look like, their specifications, and even before the Meta’s official announcement.
Here’s what we know and suspect about the upcoming “Lite” version of Quest 3, which Meta will reportedly call Quest 3S.
Quest 3S confirmation
We got confirmation of the Quest 3S name near the end of May, which came from Meta itself. The information came from a seemingly random Meta app store page for the VR yoga app Alo Moves XR.
Meta lists supported devices under the order button of all Quest VR games and apps. For a short time, the Alo Moves XR page listed support for Meta Quest 3, Quest Pro and Quest 2 as expected. However, the list started with a VR headset we’ve never heard mentioned from Meta, the Quest 3S. I was able to take a screenshot with my phone before Meta removed this mention above. Note the underlines under all headphones except the Quest 3S.
Quest 3S price and release date
The most likely release date for Quest 3S is on Meta Connect on or around September 25, 2024. However, there are still three months to go.
With Quest 2 stocks out of stock in the Meta and low everywhere else, there’s good reason to release Quest 3S early. However, we don’t expect this to happen as there is no competition at this price point. Meta could also use this opportunity to find out how Quest 3 will sell as the lowest priced option.
Meta’s Quest 2 is the only reasonable choice for fast, fun VR gaming in the $300 range. That’s why it’s the highest-rated device for the next few months on our list of the best VR headsets.
Pricing hasn’t been confirmed, but we can make some deductions based on the price of the Quest 2. Meta started selling the 128GB Quest 2 for $300 in 2020. In 2022, the price rises to $400, before the $500 Quest 3 launches in 2023 Mr.
Meta recently dropped the price of the Quest 2 to $250, then further reduced it to $200. If the price goes up before the release of a higher-priced product, it makes sense that the price cut signals the arrival of new low-priced headphones. It makes sense to clear out old inventory to make way for new products.
Based on the starting price of the Quest 2 and the leaked specs of the Quest 3S, we expect Meta to sell the Quest 3S for $300. This would make the Meta’s most affordable headset competitive with the best cheap gaming consoles.
Quest 2 is sold out
Since all signs point to the Quest 3S being a low-cost version of Meta’s powerful Quest 3 VR headset, it seems likely that it will replace the aging Meta Quest 2.
Quest 2 inventory levels began to drop near the start of 2024 with the 256GB models running out on the Meta webstore. More recently, Meta shows all exhausted configurations.
A few Quest 2 units remain at Amazon, Best Buy and other retailers, but most are showing low-stock alerts. With the Quest 3 selling for $500, that leaves a gap in the low end that Meta needs to fill soon.
Quest 3S Expiration
We’ve only seen one major leak of the Quest 3S, but it revealed so many details that we already have a good idea of its likely capabilities and how it compares to the Quest 2 it replaces and Meta’s flagship headset, the Quest 3.
Meta enthusiast Luna shared images on X (formerly Twitter) by Redditor LuffySanKira that were allegedly taken during a call to survey Meta users. The Reddit post is no longer available. The images appear to be marketing materials for the Meta Quest 3S, complete with images and specifications.
This leak suggests that the Meta Quest 3S will use the same high-performance chip as the Quest 3, the same Touch Plus controllers, color cameras for mixed reality and up to 120Hz refresh rate. Two configurations are common to the Quest headset, and the Quest 3S can have storage options of 128GB and 256GB.
To match the price of the Quest 2, the Quest 3S has to make some compromises. The leaked images show that the Quest 3S will have the same display resolution as the Quest 2 on a single panel, with three positions to move the lenses to match the distance between your eyes, and the older Fresnel lenses. The Quest 3 has continuous IPD lens adjustment, dual displays and clearer pancake lenses.
Quest 3S without controllers?
There is some speculation that Meta may sell the Quest 3S without controllers, lowering the price even further. Meta could offer the Quest 3S for $200 or $250 as a media consumption device to replace an iPad or even a TV. Virtual screens on VR headsets can fill the room, creating a cinematic experience anywhere.
Since VR is mostly associated with gaming, most games require controllers. Even if the Quest 3S ships without controllers, it’s almost certain that Meta will offer a bundle that includes controllers and sell them separately. Even the work-oriented Quest Pro comes with controllers and can play the same VR games as the Quest 2.
Upgrade for Quest 2 owners
While Meta is clearing the way for a new device, there are millions of Quest 2 owners who haven’t upgraded to the Quest 3. The Quest 2 is the best-selling VR headset on the market by a wide margin.
That’s why Meta continues to update this popular gaming headset with new system software, new features and performance improvements.
However, performance tweaks can only help so much, and supporting a four-year-old device holds back game developers who want to take advantage of the latest and greatest technology.
Meta needs Quest 2 owners to upgrade to newer, more powerful headsets to inspire developers to create longer VR games with bigger, richer environments, higher-resolution graphics, and colorful mixed reality scenes.
This is already happening with several upcoming VR games like Batman: Arkham Shadow which require Meta Quest 3. It won’t even work on 2022 Quest Pro. If the Quest 3S has good mixed reality capabilities and the same processor as the Quest 3, it should run games that would otherwise be exclusive to the Quest 3.
